The small town of Maximo was formed in 1833 by French Catholic settlers, who originally named it Strasbourg after the home they’d left behind. The town was renamed in the late 20th century to avoid confusion with another nearby Strasbourg in Tuscarawas County.
From the parish’s inception in 1850 until 1857, Maximo’s Catholic community celebrated Mass in private homes until a brick church was completed. It operated as a mission from parishes in Louisville, Harrisburg, Canton and Massillon, until receiving a resident pastor in 1905. The parish also erected a school in 1868, located directly across the street, but the program was discontinued between 1884 and 1923 due to low enrollment.
By 1922, the community saw substantial growth. The school was also able to reopen in 1923, and a new property was purchased for a school and social hall, with construction beginning in 1924. The Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine came to serve as teachers. They were eventually replacedby Notre Dame and Franciscan Sisters who had their motherhouse in Youngstown. They served the school until 1955, when the Sisters of the Holy Ghost arrived, who taught St. Joseph’s students until the school merged with Sacred Heart of Mary School in Harrisburg after the 1970 school year.
On March 3, 1957, the community broke ground on a new church building—by that time, there were 165 students in the school, while the church could only seat 144 parishioners. The new church was dedicated on September 28, 1958. The parish then implemented revisions after Vatican II, before receiving more substantial repairs and renovations in the late 90s. In 2013, St. Joseph began sharing a pastor with Regina Coeli Parish in Alliance, and at around the same time underwent more renovations and improvements, including the demolition of the former convent building. They now collaborate with Sebring’s St. Ann and Alliance’s St. Joseph Parish as well.
The parish takes inspiration from Saint Joseph, who, as the patron saint of workers, guides them to take an active role in their community. Several parishioners have completed Lay Leader of Prayer training, enabling them to lead services such as the Stations of the Cross. The community also donates supplies for the Alliance Pregnancy Center, and maintains an active Altar and Rosary Society, among many other ministries.
Description from The March of the Eucharist, 2nd edition (2025) published by The Catholic Echo
